Q&A

Q:

If I do a TV news interview, won’t reporters change my answers when they edit it?

A:

[From Howard Fencl, Hennes Communications:] It would be utterly unethical for any journalist to put words in your mouth by chopping up an interview and rearranging your words to say something other than what you intended. In my 20 years running TV newsrooms, I never saw this happen. And if I did, I’d fire them on the spot. However, if the response you give a reporter goes on and on, it’s possible only a part of your answer will make it into their broadcast story – which may blur your context. To avoid this, develop and rehearse crisp, concise and quotable messages lasting no more than seven to ten seconds. Invest in media training to sharpen your delivery and learn interview control techniques.

 

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